Tilt Table Testing

Tilt Table Testing is an evaluation for
the tendency to pass out under certain conditions. People who are
especially prone to passing out may suffer from neurocardiogenic
syncope. This syndrome is an abnormal exaggeration of a normal reflex
and can cause a person’s heart rate and/or blood pressure to drop
suddenly. It can often be treated with medicines but may rarely require
the addition of a pacemaker. During a Tilt Table Test, the person is
placed on a flat table with safety support straps and then stood at
approximately an 80-degree angle observed with continuous EKG
monitoring for 20 – 40 minutes. Occasionally, IV medicines will be used
to further stimulate this reflex. An IV heparin lock will routinely be
started for the administration of medicines if necessary.